Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 8/7/2014

Jobless aid applications fell to 289,000

Fewer people sought U.S. unemployment benefits last week, as jobless claims remain at relatively low levels that point toward stronger economic growth. Weekly applications for unemployment aid fell 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 289,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. More at the AP.

Experts vary on future impact of robots on labor force

In 2025, self-driving cars could be the norm, people could have more leisure time and goods could become cheaper. Or there could be chronic unemployment, an even wider income gap, human interaction could become a luxury and the wealthy could live in walled cities with robots serving as labor. More at the AP.

UF, BP settle long-running dispute

Transportation

All not aboard with FECI's passenger rail

Florida East Coast Industries’ plan to bring private passenger rail service from Miami to Orlando is hitting resistance. Some communities along the proposed route for All Aboard Florida have voiced concern over everything from noise to safety to property values.

A partnership with British Petroleum that should have produced a stream of royalty revenues for the University of Florida for years has evaporated with the stroke of a pen, settling a two-year court battle over $30 million in disputed fees and royalties. More at the Gainesville Sun.

Orlando bids to host future NCAA tournament games

Orlando officials have submitted bids to the NCAA for the rights to host the second-and-third round as well as regional rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament for 2016-18 seasons. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

Miami-Dade schools plan steroid testing program

A day after Biogenesis founder Antonio Bosch admitted to providing steroids to — among others — high school athletes, the Miami-Dade School Board announced its commitment to start a testing program. The steroid testing will be a pilot program and will get under way during the coming school year, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said Wednesday. More at the Miami Herald.

Business Profile Small firm exports to Africa, James Bond-style

As the Obama administration this week encourages U. S. companies to boost investment and trade in Africa, one small business already was embracing the challenge with gusto. Hann Powerboats, of Sarasota, recently shifted from making fishing and patrol boats to also churning out high-powered gunboats that are fending off oil pirates off the coast of Nigeria.